At the Rangers Report, Sam Weiman writes...- Henrik Lundqvist took the day off to recover from his head cold, leaving occasional fill-in Chad Killam of Manhattanville College fame to occupy the other net. There are still two days before the Rangers play in Florida, so Renney said he wasn’t sure what his plans were for Stephen Valiquette. Valiquette when asked said he didn’t know, either, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see the backup start against the Panthers.
- Brendan Shanahan also took the day off from practice to rest, although he was working out in the team’s fitness room. Would it be such a bad idea to extend Shanahan’s hiatus into the Florida trip and let Petr Prucha back into the mix? I don’t think so.
Look, these points are crucial as well seeing how the Rangers are now within reach of home-ice advantage. But it’s also time to start thinking about having Shanahan refreshed for the postseason. And to be honest, given Shanahan’s even strength play of late, Prucha wouldn’t be much of a drop-off at all.
...I wouldn't mind giving both of them a rest. Originally I thought that Valiquette should start against Tampa, but after they dropped eight goals on DP and the Isles last night, I think I'd rather see Vally against the Panthers.
...I've read a couple of items today that mentioned Shanahan being gassed after Monday's game. Why not give him Friday and Saturday off, which gives him a full week of rest before the Rangers face the Penguins. We also need to get Prucha some ice time before the playoffs, so this would be a win, win.
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